Category Archives: Bishop Kopacz

Heart of the Church: word, worship, community, service

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Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

By Bishop Joseph Kopacz
The proclamation from the Gospel of Mark of the healing of the man who suffered from deafness and an accompanying speech impediment, the one proclaimed on Sunday, Sept. 9, reveals the mission of the Lord Jesus and of the Church. “The Word became flesh and dwells among us.” (Prologue of Saint John’s Gospel) In this unique miracle, the humanity and divinity of Jesus shine forth. In summary, Jesus responded to the plea of the raucous crowd by going apart with the man to accomplish the cure. Jesus touched his ears, and spitting, touched his tongue and looking up to heaven he groaned and said, “be opened.” In that moment heaven and earth were in harmony and the physical healing led to praise and gratitude that could not be silenced.
From the beginning, the mission of the Church, with the mind and heart of Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit, brought his saving message to all who had ears to hear. From the letter of Saint James, also from last weekend’s scripture, we hear that divisions emerged at the outset in the fledging Christian community. The rich were given first class treatment and the poor were left to stand on the margins of the gathered community. Immediately the Spirit of God convicted and enlightened the disciples to change their manner of thinking and acting. By virtue of the saving blood of the Lord who unites those who are far off and those who are near (Ephesians), all of the baptized have equal dignity around the table of the Lord, rich and poor, Jew and Greek, male and female, slave and free. (Galatians)
The early Christians learned quickly in Jerusalem when we recall in the Acts of the Apostles that the order of deacons was established for Diakonia, loving service, to meet the growing needs of the Jerusalem community. The action of the Lord at the Last Supper when he washed his disciples feet fostered the vision for the early Christians who cared for one another in a manner totally unheard of in the Roman Empire. In contrast to the brutal culture of the first century, Christianity and the first Christians were warm, inviting, kind and generous, and early Christian culture was deeply personal. They extended the saving and healing touch of the Lord without cost to many on the margins of society.
Word, worship, community and service marked these early Christians, and indeed, ears were opened to hear the saving Word, and mouths followed in praise, and hands in loving service. Over time, the deacons were entrusted with the administration of the Church’s material resources, and the rapacious Roman Empire thought that they could enrich their coffers by confiscating the property and wealth of the Christians. In the middle of the third century, Deacon Lawrence, who in his martyrdom became the patron of Rome, was ordered to cough up the Church’s wealth to the governor. He gathered up the poor, the lame, the blind the leprous, etc. and paraded them before the governor announcing that these are the Church’s wealth and fortune. Not amused, they martyred Lawrence over a hot coals. In creative ways in different times and in worldwide settings, the Church has embodied the mission of Jesus Christ to touch the world with healing, hope and new life in the Kingdom of God.
On Friday evening, Sep. 7, Jim Caveizel made a cameo appearance in Jackson on behalf of Catholic Charities and inspired all with his deep commitment to the Lord and his Catholic faith. He began his presentation with a clip from Mother Teresa’s acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977. The cornerstone of her inspiring speech was that there will never be peace as long as abortion ravages life in the womb. That made more than a few in the audience uncomfortable on that occasion but she was unapologetic about the dignity of life at all stages. She captured the imagination of the whole world when she went into the filth and squalor of the worst neighborhoods of Calcutta, India. Each day she woke up, she worked with the forgotten ones, the poorest of the poor, the HIV victims, and cared for them as if there were Jesus himself.
From this intro, Jim Caveizel affirmed the work of Catholic Charities as a living and breathing example of what it means to belong to Jesus Christ and to embrace his mission. Hearing and following the call of the Lord, Caveizel noted, can come at great cost, but what good is it to gain the whole world and to lose one’s soul. When the Lord touches us, we understand the closing verses of last Sunday’s Scripture from the letter of James, “we are called to be rich in faith, heirs of the Kingdom, that God promised to those who love him.”
During these days of anguish for many victims of sexual abuse and their families, and for those who love the Church, may our groaning prayers directed to heaven, and our actions of loving service, open the hearts and minds of all who are suffer with the Lord’s healing, hope and peace.

Declaración del Obispo Joseph Kopacz sobre el informe del gran Jurado de Pensilvania sobre abuso sexual del clero:

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“El reciente informe del Gran Jurado de Pensilvania que detalla casos de abuso sexual desde fines de la década de 1940 en seis diócesis católicas de Pensilvania, incluyendo Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Allentown, Scranton y Erie, saca a la luz un comportamiento horrible dentro de nuestra iglesia. El informe es un claro recordatorio, para todos a quienes se les confían niños y jóvenes en la Diócesis de Jackson y empezando por mí , que debemos redoblar nuestros esfuerzos para crear entornos seguros para todos los vulnerables de Dios – niños, jóvenes y mayores.
Del mismo modo, debemos comprometernos a exponer los abusos del pasado y alentar a las víctimas a presentarse. Nunca debemos cansarnos de sanar y reconciliar el dolor que las víctimas y las familias han sufrido a través del comportamiento de personal de la iglesia, especialmente los ordenados. Todos los perpetradores de abuso sexual deben ser removidos del ministerio. Debido a que serví en la Diócesis de Scranton durante el período relevante y estoy relacionado con el manejo de tres denuncias de abuso, creo que es esencial, de acuerdo con nuestro compromiso con la transparencia, que les informe sobre mi papel en esos casos.
Fui Vicario de sacerdotes durante ocho años en la Diócesis de Scranton de 1998 a 2006 durante el tiempo en que estalló la crisis de abuso sexual. Como Vicario, era mi responsabilidad responder a todas las denuncias de abuso sexual que involucraban al clero, junto con otros funcionarios diocesanos. Trágicamente, durante ese período, me pidieron que respondiera a muchas acusaciones. De ellas, el informe hace referencia a tres casos de los que se me encomendó la tarea de responder a las quejas de los feligreses.
En la primera referencia, la víctima inicialmente me confió que había sido abusada, pero declaró que quería que fuera confidencial. Mantuve esa confianza y no hice ningún informe. Aunque su solicitud de mantener la confidencialidad de su denuncia fue documentada en un memorando preparado para el gran Jurado, el informe del gran Jurado excluye este hecho. Sin embargo, el informe confirma que una vez que la víctima eliminó la restricción de la confidencialidad, yo y otros funcionarios diocesanos actuamos rápidamente para denunciar el abuso a las autoridades civiles y destituir del ministerio al sacerdote ofensor. En la segunda referencia, que involucra a un sacerdote fallecido que había sido removido del ministerio, la víctima solicitó asesoramiento y yo aprobé que él recibiera consejería. En la tercera referencia, interrogué al exsacerdote infractor y, a pesar de sus negativas (y al hecho de que anteriormente había sido removido del ministerio), informé sobre esta acusación adicional a las autoridades locales.
Forjadas en el fuego de la crisis del abuso, la gran mayoría de las diócesis en los Estados Unidos, incluida la Diócesis de Jackson, han trabajado arduamente durante los últimos 16 años para ser fieles a la Promesa de Proteger y el Compromiso de Sanar, el documento que se conoce como la Carta de Dallas. El documento completo está disponible a través del sitio web de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de EE. UU.
Es mi gran esperanza que alguien que ha sido abusado por un miembro del clero o un empleado o voluntario de una iglesia se presente. La coordinadora de asistencia a las víctimas en nuestra diócesis, Valerie McClelland, es trabajadora social autorizada y está disponible para ayudar a hacer un reporte. Puede contactarla al (601) 326–3728. Siempre repiro que el sufrimiento no tiene estatuto de limitaciones.
Con mis hermanos obispos, ofrezco mis disculpas por el grave pecado de abuso sexual y me comprometo a continuar el trabajo necesario para crear y mantener un entorno seguro dentro de nuestras parroquias, escuelas y centros de servicio “.

Bishop Kopacz addresses Grand Jury report

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(Bishop Joseph Kopacz released the following statement regarding the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report of Clergy Sexual Abuse on Aug. 14, the day the report was made public:)
“The recently released Pennsylvania Grand Jury report detailing cases of sexual abuse going back to the late 1940’s in six Pennsylvania Catholic dioceses, including Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Allentown, Scranton and Erie brings to light more horrific behavior within our church. The report is a stark reminder to all to whom children and young people are entrusted, starting with me in the Diocese of Jackson, that we must redouble our efforts to create safe environments for all vulnerable children of God, younger and older. Likewise, we must recommit ourselves to exposing past abuse and encouraging victims to come forward. We must never tire of healing and reconciling the pain that victims and families have suffered through the behavior of church personnel, especially the ordained. All perpetrators of sexual abuse must be removed from ministry. Because I served in the Diocese of Scranton during the relevant period and am referenced in connection with my handling of three complaints of abuse, I feel it is essential — in keeping with our commitment to transparency — that you be informed of my role in those cases.
I was the Vicar for Priests for eight years in the Diocese of Scranton from 1998 to 2006 during the time that the sexual abuse crisis exploded on the scene. As the vicar, it was my responsibility to respond to all allegations of sexual abuse that involved clergy, along with other diocesan officials. Tragically, during that period, I was called upon to respond far too many times to such allegations. Of those, the report references three instances where I was tasked with responding to the complaints of parishioners.
In the first reference, the victim initially confided in me that she had been abused but stated that she wanted it to be held in confidence. I kept that confidence and made no report. Though her request to maintain the confidentiality of her report was documented in a prepared memo that was available to the Grand Jury, the Grand Jury report excludes this fact. The report does however confirm that once she removed the restriction of confidentiality, I and other diocesan officials, quickly acted to report the abuse to civil authorities and remove the offending priest from ministry. In the second reference, which involved a deceased priest who had been removed from ministry, the victim requested counseling and I arranged for him to receive counseling. In the third reference, I questioned the offending former priest and despite his denials (and the fact that he had previously been removed from ministry), reported this additional allegation to local authorities.
Forged in the fire of the abuse crisis, the vast majority of dioceses in the United States, including the Diocese of Jackson, have worked hard during the past 16 years to be faithful to the Promise to Protect and the Pledge to Heal, the document we know as the Dallas Charter. The fostering of safe environments in our ministries is now the norm, and the steadfast support for victims of sexual abuse who struggle for healing and hope in their lives, has been an unflagging commitment.
The full document is available through the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website. The Charter directs action in all the following matters:
– Creating a safe environment for children and young people;
– Healing and reconciliation of victims and survivors;
Making prompt and effective response to allegations;
– Cooperating with civil authorities;
– Disciplining offenders;
– Providing for means of accountability for the future to ensure the problem continues to be effectively dealt with through the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection and the National Review Board.
It is my great hope that anyone who has been abused by a member of the clergy or an employee or volunteer of a church come forward. Our victim’s assistance coordinator, Valerie McClelland, a licensed social worker, is available to assist in making a report. You can contact her at (601) 326-3728. Suffering has no statute of limitations. Sexual abuse is an evil and a crime that wreaks havoc, destruction and despair, and the enemy, the Evil One, loves it, because it is shrouded in darkness, lies and shame. It unleashes the power of hell upon victims and their families and it often spreads from one generation to the next unless the cycle is broken by the light of truth, healing and reconciliation.
With my brother bishops, I offer my apology for the grave sin of sexual abuse and I pledge to continue the needed work to create and maintain a safe environment within our parishes, schools and service centers.”

Bishop schedule

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Tuesday, Aug. 28, 9:15 a.m. – School Mass, Greenville St. Joseph School.
Wednesday, Aug. 29, 9:15 a.m. – School Mass, Vicksburg Catholic School.
Thursday, Aug. 30, 9:50 a.m. – Mass of the Holy Spirit, Madison St. Joseph School, followed by meeting with seniors.
Wednesday, Sep. 5, 3 p.m. – Mass for Diocesan School Principals’ Jackson St. Dominic Toulouse building
Friday, Sep. 7, 5 p.m. – Catholic Charities ‘A night with Jim Caveziel’ fund-raiser, Jackson Thalia Mara Hall
Friday, Sep. 8, 2 p.m. – Kick off ceremony for Christian Family Movement, Brandon Civic Center.
Friday, Sep. 8, 5:15 p.m. – Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
Saturday, Sep. 9, 8 & 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. – Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
Tuesday, Sep. 11, 11 a.m. – Catholic Foundation Bishop’s Cup Golf Tournament – Tee time 1:00 p.m., auction 5:30 p.m., Madison Lake Caroline Golf Club.

Only public events are listed on this schedule and all events are subject to change.
Please check with the local parish for further details

Cristo está en el centro de la formación de la fe

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+ Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz

Por Obispo Joseph Kopacz
En temporada y fuera de temporada, el Señor nos llama a crecer en sabiduría, conocimiento y gracia, como sus discípulos. Este es el trabajo de la conversión, la formación de la fe y, en última instancia, la santidad. En un horario continuo durante esta temporada del año, nuestras Escuelas Católicas, Certificación de Formación de Fe para Adultos, programas de Educación Religiosa, R.C.I.A., preparación Sacramental, cursos de las Escrituras, Días de Formación de Fe, retiros, capacitación en Ambiente Seguro y más, continúan con gran celo y esperanza.
Nuestra visión diocesana de discípulos inspiradores, sirviendo a los demás y abrazando la diversidad se renueva una vez más. Esta manifestación externa de la actividad de la colmena se basa en un verano lleno de merecido descanso, revisión del año pasado y planificación para la nueva temporada.
El trabajo de formación en la fe es una misión de 12 meses y estoy eternamente agradecido a todos los que permanecen en el camino escuchando el llamado del Señor Jesús, el Camino, la Verdad y la Vida.
A principios de este año, el 19 de marzo, el Papa Francisco abrió una puerta para todos los que están comprometidos en la misión de evangelización y formación de fe con su Exhortación Apostólica, “Guadete et Exultate( Regocijate y sé feliz), el llamado a la santidad en el mundo moderno”. Esta exhortación inspiradora y legible comienza con los santos que nos animan y nos acompañan, y los santos de la puerta de al lado.
Por supuesto, el primer grupo es la Nube de Testigos que ya está alrededor del trono de Dios, como se describe en la carta a los hebreos y el libro del Apocalipsis, y el último se refiere a miembros de la familia, vecinos, feligreses y amigos. Una de las gemas de este documento es la sección sobre las Bienaventuranzas que es una brújula para que todos los discípulos abracen la mente y el corazón del Señor.
Nuestras Escuelas Católicas han elegido las Bienaventuranzas como centro para el enfoque de este año. Otra oportunidad de oro para el liderazgo diocesano es nuestra convocatoria de otoño, cuyo tema es “Formar discípulos intencionales”.
Sherry Weddell, autora del libro de referencia sobre los discípulos intencionales y conferencista nacional en demanda, aceptó nuestra invitación a nuestra convocatoria de tres días por nuestra visión diocesana de Inspirar a discípulos- Servir a los demás- Abrazar la diversidad. Felicitaciones a nuestro Comité de Formación Continua por este resultado excepcional.
Lo anterior es un notable paquete de formación de fe y evangelización, pero quiero reflexionar sobre lo que para todos nosotros es la fuente y la cumbre de toda formación, evangelización y santidad, la Misa.
Durante las últimas cinco semanas, la Iglesia en todo el mundo católico ha proclamado el discurso del Pan de Vida del sexto capítulo en el Evangelio de San Juan. Hoy fue el diálogo culminante entre Jesús y aquellos que estaban luchando por comprender sus impactantes palabras. “El que come mi carne y bebe mi sangre tiene vida eterna, y yo los resucitaré en el último día. Porque mi carne es comida real y mi sangre es bebida verdadera. El que come mi carne y bebe mi sangre permanece en mí, y yo en ellos. Así como el Padre viviente me envió y yo vivo por el Padre, así también el que se alimenta de mí, vivirá por mí. Este es el pan de vida que bajó del cielo. Sus antepasados comieron el maná y murieron, pero el que se alimenta de este pan vivirá para siempre “.
La Eucaristía, Palabra y Sacramento, la presencia real de Jesucristo, el Hijo de Dios es una formación permanente para todos los discípulos. Nosotros en el mundo católico tenemos el don y el misterio de la fe eucarística, que ha sido nuestro alimento para el viaje en el camino a la vida eterna. Yo los animo a todos en la formación de la fe a que nunca se cansen de integrar plenamente a todos en la vida sacramental de la Iglesia, especialmente en la Eucaristía.
Palabra, adoración, comunidad y servicio son el paquete total de lo que significa pertenecer a Jesucristo, el Pan de Vida, el Maestro, quien nos lleva al Padre en el poder del Espíritu Santo.
A medida que la miasma de la crisis de abuso sexual envuelve a la Iglesia una vez más, no olvidemos que una de nuestras prioridades pastorales críticas es el mandato del Evangelio de perdonar, sanar y reconciliar a las comunidades.
La evangelización y la formación de la fe no son posibles sin arrepentimiento y conversión. Gracias a Dios, la Iglesia ha plantado muchas de estas semillas que han crecido y continúan floreciendo en todos nuestros ministerios.
Las víctimas de abuso sexual y sus familias son la prioridad para recibir sanación y reconciliación y nunca debemos cansarnos de restaurar la vida a través de la misericordia de Dios y la justicia al pie de la Cruz.
Gracias a todos los que diariamente fomentamos entornos seguros para nuestros niños y jóvenes y a los que acompañan a las víctimas que están en el camino de la curación y la esperanza. Nada es imposible para Dios, porque Dios es Amor.

Christ at the center of faith formation

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Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

By Bishop Joseph Kopacz
In season and out of season the Lord calls us to grow in wisdom, knowledge and grace as his disciples. This is the work of conversion, faith formation and ultimately, holiness. On a rolling timetable during this season of the year our Catholic Schools, Adult Faith Formation Certification, Religious Education programs, R.C.I.A., Sacramental preparation, scripture courses, Faith Formation Days, retreats, Safe Environment training and more, resume with great zeal and hope.
Our Diocesan Vision of Inspiring Disciples, Serving Others and Embracing Diversity is renewed once again. This external manifestation of beehive activity rests upon a summer full of well-deserved rest, review of the past year and planning for the new season. The work of faith formation is a 12-month quest and I am eternally grateful to all who remain on the path hearing the call of the Lord Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Earlier this year on March 19, Pope Francis opened a door for all who are engaged in the mission of evangelization and faith formation with his Apostolic Exhortation, “Guadete et Exultate (Rejoice and be Glad), the Call to Holiness in the Modern World.” This inspiring and readable exhortation begins with the Saints who encourage and accompany us, and the Saints next door.” Of course, the former is the Cloud of Witnesses already around the throne of God, as described in the letter to the Hebrews and the book of Revelation, and the latter refers to family members, neighbors, parishioners and friends. One of the gems of this document is the section on the Beatitudes that is a compass for all disciples to embrace the Lord’s mind and heart.
Our Catholic Schools have chosen the Beatitudes as central to this year’s focus. Another golden opportunity for diocesan leadership is our fall convocation whose theme is “Forming Intentional Disciples.” Sherry Weddell, the author of the landmark book pertaining to intentional disciples, and a national speaker in demand, accepted our invitation to our three-day convocation because of our Diocesan Vision to Inspire Disciples-Serve Others-Embrace Diversity. Kudos to our Continuing Formation Committee for this exceptional outcome.
The above is a remarkable package of faith formation and evangelization, but I want to reflect upon what for all of us is the source and summit of all formation, evangelization and holiness, the Mass. During the past five weeks the Church throughout the Catholic world has proclaimed the Bread of Life discourse from the sixth Chapter in Saint John’s Gospel. Today was the culminating dialogue between Jesus and those who were struggling to understand his shocking words. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”
The Eucharist, Word and Sacrament, the real presence of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is life-long formation for all disciples. We in the Catholic world have the gift and mystery of Eucharistic faith that has been our food for the journey on the path to eternal life. I encourage all in faith formation to never tire of fully integrating everyone in faith formation into the sacramental life of the Church, especially the Eucharist. Word, worship, community and service are the total package of what it means to belong to Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, the Master Teacher draws us to the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit.
As the miasma of the sexual abuse crisis envelops the Church once again let us not forget that one of our critical pastoral priorities is the Gospel mandate to be forgiving, healing and reconciling communities. Evangelization and faith formation are not possible without repentance and conversion. Thanks be to God, the Church has planted many of these seeds which have grown and continue to flourish in all our ministries. The priority for healing and reconciliation are the victims of sexual abuse and their families, and we must never tire of restoring life through God’s mercy and justice at the foot of the Cross. Thank you to all who daily foster safe environments for our children and young people and who accompany victims who are on the path of healing and hope. Nothing is impossible for God, because God is love.

Bishop Kopacz schedule

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Thursday, Aug. 16, 11 a.m. – Closing Mass and lunch- Deacon/LEM Retreat, Louisville Lake Tiak O’Khata.
Sunday, Aug. 19, 10:30 a.m. – Installation of Father Darnis Selvanayakam, as pastor, Philadelphia Holy Cross Parish.
Tuesday, Aug. 21, 8 a.m. -Opening school Mass and Senior breakfast, Natchez Cathedral School at the Basilica of St. Mary.
Friday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m. – Hispanic Ministry workshop for pastors, Hosffman Ospino, presenter, Pearl St. Jude Parish.
Saturday, Aug. 25, 8 a.m. – Faith Formation Day, Madison St. Joseph School.
Saturday, Aug. 25, 4:15 p.m. – Confessions, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
Saturday, Aug. 25, 5:15 p.m. – Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
Sunday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. – Installation of Father Peter Phong Nguyen, SVD, as pastor, Indianola Immaculate Conception Parish.
Sunday, Aug. 26, 2 p.m. – Formal welcoming of Executive Director Shakebra Young, Mound Bayou St. Gabriel’s Mercy Center.
Tuesday, Aug. 28 9:15 a.m. – Opening school Mass, Greenville St. Joseph School.
Wednesday, Aug. 29 9:10 a.m. – Opening school Mass, Vicksburg Catholic School.
Thursday, Aug. 30 9:50 a.m. – Mass of the Holy Spirit and meeting with seniors, Madison St. Joseph School.

Only public events are listed on this schedule and all events are subject to change.
Please check with the local parish for further details

El abusado clama al cielo por justicia

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+ Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz

Por Obispo Joseph Kopacz
A lo largo de la Iglesia Católica en los Estados Unidos muchos están agonizando por las revelaciones de los crímenes, del Cardenal Theodore McCarrick contra menores, el flagrante abuso de poder y el comportamiento sexual desenfrenado con seminaristas y otros. Dolor, ira y vergüenza están ensombreciendo a los fieles y viejas heridas se reabren. Hay muchas preguntas sin respuesta, pero por más desagradable que sea la verdad, pues solo la verdad pondrá a las víctimas, sus familias y a la Iglesia en el camino hacia la sanación, la justicia y la nueva vida. La revelación del comportamiento pecaminoso de un prelado de alto rango en la Iglesia no resta valor a todo el buen trabajo que la Iglesia Católica ha hecho para proteger a los niños y jóvenes desde 2002, pero es un retroceso horrible en los esfuerzos para restaurar la confianza.
La vasta mayoría de las diócesis católicas en Estados Unidos han trabajado muy duro durante estos 16 años para ser fieles al documento conocido como La Carta de Dallas, titulada “ Promesa de Proteger y Compromiso de Sanar” (Promise to Protect and the Pledge to Heal; por su nombre en inglés). El fomento de entornos seguros en nuestros ministerios es ahora la norma, y el apoyo firme a las víctimas de abuso sexual que luchan por la sanación y la esperanza en sus vidas, ha sido un compromiso incansable.
Los resultados son dignos de elogio; los protocolos creados por los programas para una Iglesia de ambiente seguro han reducido significativamente los abusos a menores por miembros del personal de las iglesias. De igual manera sabemos que toma entre 20 y 30 años, como promedio, para que una víctima se decida a dar un paso adelante y cuente su trágica historia. Este fue el caso de las víctimas del Cardenal McCarrick. Muchos nunca revelan su herida porque es demasiado doloroso el hacerlo. Esta es la razón por la cual difundimos repetidamente la declaración que alienta, a todas las víctimas de abuso sexual por parte del personal de la Iglesia, a presentarse sin importar cuánto tiempo haya pasado desde ocurrido el abuso. El sufrimiento no tiene estatuto de limitaciones.
El abuso sexual es un mal y un crimen que causa estragos, destrucción y desesperación, por tanto el enemigo, el maligno se regocija en esto porque el abuso está envuelto en tinieblas, mentiras y vergüenza. El abuso desata el poder del infierno sobre las víctimas y sus familias y con frecuencia se propaga de una generación a otra, a menos que el ciclo se rompa a la luz de la verdad, la curación y la reconciliación.
Al principio de mi sacerdocio, durante un período de 15 años, tuve la oportunidad de enseñar Desarrollo Humano a adolescentes en tres de nuestras escuelas primarias en la Diócesis de Scranton. El don de la sexualidad está floreciendo a esta edad, y el saber que hay personas en la Iglesia que se aprovechan de estos jóvenes, adolescentes y de los menores en cada etapa de su desarrollo es un ataque desmedido contra la dignidad humana.
En la Diócesis de Jackson nos comprometemos a fomentar ambientes seguros en nuestras Escuelas Católicas, en nuestros Programas de Educación Religiosa y en nuestros Ministerios de la Juventud para que los niños y jóvenes que nos han sido confiados puedan alcanzar el potencial dado por Dios en cada aspecto de sus vidas.
Además, serví como Director de Formación durante 14 años en nuestro Seminario Universitario en Scranton, Pensilvania y escuchar de la explotación de jóvenes que están discerniendo una vocación por aquellos en autoridad y supuestos a nutrirlos, también clama al cielo por justicia. La transparencia y el cultivo de una cultura de confianza, respeto y responsabilidad son las normas de los seminarios donde nuestros seminaristas de Jackson están formándose: Saint Ben’s (Colegio Seminario St. Joseph) en Covington, Luisiana; Notre Dame en Nueva Orleans y el Sagrado Corazón en Hales Corner, Wisconsin.
Durante los dos últimos años, como miembro de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB; por sus siglas en inglés), he estado sirviendo en el Comité para la Protección de Niños y Jóvenes. Esto me sitúa en el centro de la resolución permanente de la Iglesia de proteger y sanar, tal como se establece en La Carta de Dallas y de aplicar estos esfuerzos y mejores prácticas a nuestra propia red de Ambientes Seguros en nuestra Diócesis.
La Carta dirige la acción en los siguientes asuntos:
• Crear un ambiente seguro para niños y jóvenes;
• Sanación y reconciliación de víctimas y sobrevivientes;
• Hacer una respuesta pronta y efectiva a las acusaciones;
• Cooperar con las autoridades civiles;
• Disciplinar a los culpables;
• Proporcionar medios de rendición de cuentas para garantizar en el futuro que el problema continúe siendo tratado de manera efectiva a través de la Secretaría de Protección de Niños y Jóvenes y la Junta Nacional de Revisión.
Que el Señor Jesús, que dio la bienvenida a los niños y los abrazó en su amor, traiga la verdad que nos hará libres, la justicia que restablecerá las relaciones correctas con Dios y con los demás, la sanación y la reconciliación que son los estándares de todas las comunidades cristianas, su cuerpo, la Iglesia.

Abused cry out to heaven for justice

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+Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

+Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

By Bishop Joseph Kopacz
Throughout the Catholic Church in the United States many are agonizing over the revelations of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s crimes against minors, flagrant abuse of power, and unrestrained sexual behavior with seminarians and others. Hurt, anger and shame are casting a widespread pall over the faithful as old wounds are ripped open. There are many unanswered questions but as ugly as the truth will be, the truth will set the victims and their families, and the Church on the path to healing, justice and new life.
The disclosure of the sinful behavior of a high-ranking prelate in the Church does not undermine all the good work that the Catholic Church has done to protect children and young people since 2002, but it is an awful setback in the efforts to restore trust. The vast majority of Catholic dioceses in the United States have worked hard during the past 16 years to be faithful to the Promise to Protect and the Pledge to Heal, the document we know as the Dallas Charter. The fostering of safe environments in our ministries is now the norm, and the steadfast support for victims of sexual abuse who struggle for healing and hope in their lives, has been an unflagging commitment.
The results are commendable because Church safe environment programs and protocols have reduced significantly the abuse of minors by Church personnel. However, we also know that it takes 20 to 30 years on average for a victim to muster the resolve to come forward with their tragic story. This was the case with Cardinal McCarrick’s victims. Many never reveal their woundedness because it is just too painful to do so.
This is the reason why we repeatedly disseminate the statement that encourages all victims of sexual abuse by Church personnel to come forward no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. Suffering has no statute of limitations. Sexual abuse is an evil and a crime that wreaks havoc, destruction and despair, and the enemy, the Evil One, loves it, because it is shrouded in darkness, lies and shame. It unleashes the power of hell upon victims and their families and it often spreads from one generation to the next unless the cycle is broken by the light of truth, healing and reconciliation.
Earlier in my priesthood, I had the opportunity to teach Human Development during a 15-year span to early adolescents in three of our elementary schools in the Diocese of Scranton. The gift of sexuality is flowering at this age and to know that there are those in the Church who would prey upon these young teens, and upon minors at each stage of their development, is an unconscionable assault against human dignity. In the Diocese of Jackson we are committed to foster safe environments in our Catholic Schools, in our Religious Education Programs and in our Youth Ministries so that the children and young people entrusted to us can reach their God-given potential in every aspect of their lives.
Moreover, I served as a Formation Director for 14 years at our College Seminary in Scranton, Pennsylvania and to hear of the exploitation of young men who are discerning a vocation by those in authority who should be nurturing them, also cries out to heaven for justice. Transparency and the cultivation of a culture of trust, respect and accountability are the standards at the seminaries where our Jackson seminarians are in formation: Saint Ben’s (St. Joseph Seminary College) in Covington, Louisiana, Notre Dame in New Orleans, and Sacred Heart in Hales Corner, Wisconsin.
For the past two years as a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I have been serving on The Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People. This places me at the center of the Church’s ongoing resolve to protect and to heal as set forth in the Dallas Charter, and to apply these efforts and best practices to our own network of safe environments in our Diocese. The Charter directs action in all the following matters:
• Creating a safe environment for children and young people;
• Healing and reconciliation of victims and survivors;
• Making prompt and effective response to allegations;
• Cooperating with civil authorities;
• Disciplining offenders;
• Providing for means of accountability for the future to ensure the problem continues to be effectively dealt with through the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection and the National Review Board.
May the Lord Jesus who welcomed the children and embraced them in his love, bring about the truth that will set us free, the justice that will restore right relationships with God and with one another, and the healing and reconciliation that are the standards of all Christian communities, his Body, the Church.

Bishops ask for freedom to serve

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Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

By Bishop Joseph Kopacz
Recently, the United States Catholic of Bishops (USCCB) designated the week of June 22-29 as Religious Freedom Week. This has evolved from a Fortnight for Freedom, begun in 2008, a time frame that leads to the celebration of our nation’s founding on July 4th each year.
The slice of time of one is apropos for the matter, both in our society as we approach the celebration of liberty every year, and in our Church because it begins on the feast day of Saints Thomas More and John Fisher, martyrs for religious freedom, and ends with the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul, the prototypical martyrs of religious conscience and integrity of faith.
But, “it has been difficult,” says the chairman of the USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville “as we’re swimming upstream in this culture. Some people think religious freedom is the threat” but “Religious Liberty Week is about the Gospel, it is meant to inspire a culture.” Religious freedom is the cornerstone of our nation’s constitution. The first amendment begins: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..”
Speaking on behalf of the Conference of Catholic Bishops, the archbishop has asked Americans to pray and “act in support of religious liberty at home and abroad.” The archbishop went on to explain, “Religious freedom allows the space for people of faith to serve others in God’s love in ministries like education, adoption and foster care, health care, and migration and refugee services. We encourage people of faith to reflect on the importance of religious freedom so that we might have the space to carry out our mission of service and mercy, and we invite everyone to pray for our brothers and sisters who face intense persecution in other parts of the world.”
The theme for this year’s observance’ “Serving Others in God’s Love” portrays the nature of the church for nearly two millennia. Beginning with the Lord Jesus, who came, not be served but to serve, it is self-evident, in the Bible and in our tradition, that the Church is most faithful to her Lord when she wears the mantle of service on the road to salvation.
Word, Worship, Community and Service are the standards for all Christian communities, and the free exercise thereof is the capacity to run on all cylinders, both within our church structures and as active citizens in society for the common good through our church’s ministries and services. The Lord’s mandate is to go and make disciples of all the nations, teaching them everything I have commanded you, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. (Matthew, Ch 28) Often, it is our ministries and services that attract people to the beauty, truth, and light of the crucified and risen Lord, breathing life into our evangelizing, teaching and preaching.
To serve others is central to our diocesan vision and at times it is a blessing to take a long, loving look at what is real, the panorama of ministries, works and services that thrive around our diocese. The vision is embodied in our parishes and in education, in health care and through Catholic Charities. It is the generosity of the faithful that makes it possible and this bountiful giving occurs on a daily basis, for special fund raising events, and through our annual Catholic Service Appeal.
On this note, I want to thank the thousands of people throughout the Diocese of Jackson who generously support our Catholic Service Appeal. It is a life-line for our mission, vision, and ministries within our diocesan structures on behalf of our Catholic people, as well as in many corners of our state as a visible sign of Christ’s love for all.
You can rest assured that your support is allowing the diocese to inspire the culture with the Gospel, to bring about the Kingdom of God, and to serve others in God’s love. This is the free exercise of our Catholic faith, in season and out or season, in our churches and in society. Let us never tire of being faithful disciples and citizens on behalf of life, justice and peace.